The Newest Number: Body Fat

Will your body be less fatty next year than it is right now? If you'd actually like to answer that question, check out the new scales that measure not only your weight but the percentage of fat in your body composition. We tested seven scales and compared their results with those of the Bod Pod, a $32,000 machine that's the medical benchmark. All seven overestimated body fat -- but they came a lot closer than the caliper method (favored by many health clubs), which was off by 50 percent. "These scales, even pricey ones, aren't absolutely accurate," says GH Institute Technical Director John Kupsch. "But they can track whether your body fat is fluctuating over time." And price is on your side: The most accurate of those we tested is also the most affordable: Taylor Body Fat Analyzer & Scale ($49.99) at Target stores.

Here are the complete results of the test:

Accuracy

We compared each scale's reading to the Bod Pod results. Here, in order of accuracy:

Taylor 5553 ($49.99)

Terraillon TFA-20 ($79.99)

Terraillon TFA-10 ($69.99)

Terraillon TFX-30 ($89.99)

Sharper Image TN420 ($99.95)

Thinner MS-2500 ($59.95)

Tanita BF-625 ($69.95)

Interpreting the Numbers

Body fat percentage is more than a number. By indicating what percentage of your actual weight is composed of fat, it reveals important information about your health status.

We also evaluated the body fat scales for durability or quality of construction and ease of use. For durability and construction, we tested each scale's ability to survive a drop test, resist skidding and tipping, and function after being exposed to moisture. Of all the units, we found the Tanita 625 had the highest durability rating and had the best overall construction.

For ease of use, we evaluated each scale's ability to allow the user to set up and use the product quickly and correctly. We found that the Tanita 625 was the easiest to use, mostly because of its excellent instruction book.

Good Housekeeping already has an account with this email address. Link your account to use Facebook to sign in to Good Housekeeping. To insure we protect your account, please fill in your password below.

Your information has been saved and an account has been created for you giving you full access to everything goodhousekeeping.com and Hearst Digital Media Network have to offer. To change your username and/or password or complete your profile, click here.